On August 4th, news broke of the loss of another cherished actor. Rifling through an old reporter’s notebook, I am transported back fifteen years to the day I interviewed Song Young-kyu, who was just beginning to catch viewers’ attention as Go Jang-geun in SBS’s “Jejungwon.” I vividly recall him wistfully confessing his yearning for the stage, saying, “Not being able to perform for three years makes me itch to get back out there,” while also boyishly remarking, “When this drama ends, I’ll miss my coworkers so much, maybe I’ll have to create a get-together.” His words painted the portrait of a man fueled by both passion and genuine warmth.

Since the 1990s, Song Young-kyu was a pillar of the first generation of Korean musical theater, gracing major productions such as “Jekyll & Hyde” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Even as he transitioned to television late in his 30s, his honed talents immediately shone through. Notably, his performance in “Jejungwon” left a deep impression on the production team. Originally cast as a traitorous character, Song’s heartfelt portrayal led to a rewriting of the role, transforming him into a loyal assistant who stood by the protagonist until the end—a testament to his reliability and skill. From the ruthless general manager in “Stove League” to Captain Choi in the box-office hit “Extreme Job,” Song was a consummate scene-stealer, commanding the screen in every role.

Yet beneath his magnetic on-screen presence lay a profound devotion to his wife and two daughters. On a variety show, he shared—without self-pity—that he had moved from a spacious apartment to a semi-basement flat to support his eldest daughter studying in the U.S. and his younger daughter attending an arts high school. His frank account of washing skyscraper windows during his days as an unknown actor offered a glimpse into a life of quiet perseverance—one laboring behind the celebrated career, reflecting the experience of many ordinary fathers. When his wife struggled with thyroid disease and depression, Song was seen arranging to relieve her burdens at home, touching all who witnessed his steadfast love.

For someone who walked his path so steadfastly, Song’s recent DUI controversy was surely a devastating setback. It is difficult to fathom the depth of pressure and despair he must have felt as his career ground to a halt under public scrutiny, while he continued to shoulder the responsibilities of his family. His final choice is therefore all the more heartbreaking, and his lonely departure leaves us with heavy, unanswerable questions.

I remember him as a man joyful to face new challenges in media, yet saddened by partings with his fellow performers. May Song Young-kyu, who quietly bore the weight of family and self-reproach, now find rest in a place freer than any stage he ever longed for. We sincerely wish peace for Song Young-kyu—a remarkable actor and a warm, loving father.

※ If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1577-0199, the Hope Line at 129, Lifeline Korea at 1588-9191, or the Youth Line at 1388 for 24-hour expert counseling.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=MHN DB